Ivory Coast into AFCON 2024 final
In a stunning comeback story, Borussia Dortmund striker Haller made a triumphant return to the tournament following injury, securing a crucial goal for Ivory Coast in the semi-final clash against DR Congo. His connection with a Max-Alain Gradel cross in the 65th minute proved decisive, as his shot elegantly looped over the goalkeeper and found the back of the net at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.
The tense yet open semi-final showdown ended in favor of Ivory Coast, setting the stage for an exhilarating final against Nigeria at the same venue on Sunday, where the title would be determined.
Ivory Coast’s journey in the tournament has been nothing short of miraculous, with the two-time champions becoming the first host country to reach the final of the Cup of Nations since Egypt in 2006. Their remarkable turnaround from the brink of elimination in the group stage is a testament to their resilience and determination.
For DR Congo, the defeat was agonizing, as they had harbored dreams of making their first appearance in an AFCON final since their championship victory as Zaire in 1974.
Interim coach Emerse Fae, who took over from the sacked Jean-Louis Gasset after a string of embarrassing results in the group stage, described Ivory Coast’s run as “miraculous.” The team, humiliated and on the verge of elimination after a 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea, demonstrated remarkable grit and determination to reach the semi-finals.
Their journey included scraping through to the last 16 as the last of the four best third-placed teams and then defeating reigning champions Senegal in a tense penalty shootout.
The atmosphere at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on Abidjan’s dusty outskirts was electric as Ivory Coast secured their place in the final, capping off a remarkable resurgence in the tournament.
Ivory Coast continued their remarkable journey in the AFCON tournament by beating Mali in the quarter-finals, despite playing most of the match with only 10 men. Their decisive goal came in added time during extra time, securing them a hard-fought victory.
Oumar Diakite, the hero of the Mali match, was suspended for the semi-finals along with captain Serge Aurier, Odilon Kossounou, and Christian Kouame. In their absence, players like Simon Adingra and Haller stepped up to fill the void, with Haller finally fully fit and ready to make an impact.
The match against DR Congo carried a sense of revenge for the Congolese, who were looking to avenge their 3-1 defeat by Ivory Coast in the AFCON semi-finals back in 2015.
Throughout the tournament, the Congo team used their platform to raise awareness of the ongoing violence affecting millions of Congolese in the east of the country. They made a symbolic protest during the national anthem, highlighting the dire situation faced by their compatriots.
Despite early pressure from DR Congo, Ivory Coast grew into the game, with Haller eventually breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute. His looping shot over the goalkeeper sparked frenzied celebrations both on the field and in the technical area, as Ivory Coast pushed for victory.
Although Ivory Coast missed additional scoring opportunities, they held on to their lead, securing a 1-0 victory that sent the home crowd into a deafening roar at the final whistle.